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| Fibromyalgia
Syndrome |
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| What
is Fibromyalgia Syndrome? |
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Fibromyalgia syndrome (or "FMS"
for short) is a complex, chronic condition which causes
widespread pain and profound fatigue, as well as a variety
of other symptoms. As its name suggests, Fibromyalgia
primarily affects the soft tissues of the body. The
name Fibromyalgia comes from "fibro" meaning
fibrous tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), "my"
meaning muscles, and "algia" meaning pain.
Although called fibrositis for many years, Fibromyalgia
is now the preferred name. Unlike arthritis, Fibromyalgia
does not cause pain or swelling in the joints; rather,
it produces pain in the soft tissues around joints and
throughout the body. Because Fibromyalgia produces few
symptoms that are outwardly noticeable, it has been
nicknamed "the invisible disability."
The pain of Fibromyalgia usually consists
of diffuse aching or burning, often described as head-to-toe.
Its severity varies from day to day and can change location,
becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used
the most (i.e. the neck, shoulders and feet). In some
people, the pain can be intense enough to interfere
with ordinary, daily tasks, while in others it causes
only mild discomfort. FMS pain is often accompanies
by muscle spasm.
The fatigue of Fibromyalgia also varies
from person to person. It ranges from a mild, tired
feeling to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. Like
pain, it also tends to come and go.
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| Other
Symptoms |
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- Sleep Disturbances
- Stiffness
- Increased Headaches or Facial Pain
- Abdominal Discomfort
- Irritable Bladder
- Paresthesia
- Cold Hands or Feet
- Skin Complaints
- Chest Pains
- Cognitive Disorders
- Depression and Anxiety
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| Treatment
Modalities |
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- Application of hot or cold packs
- Aquatherapy (i.e. water exercise, water aerobics)
- Behavior Modification (including posture and movement
training)
- Counseling (both nutritional and emotional)
- Electrical Stimulation
- Low Impact Aerobic Exercise
- Massage Therapy, Myotherapy or Cranio-Sacral
Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Relaxation Therapy and Biofeedback
- Ultrasound
- Yoga, Acupuncture, Tai Chi and Other Forms of Alternative
Medicine
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| Myofascial
Release |
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| What
is Myofascial Release? |
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Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique
that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions
to eliminate pain and restore motion. The theory of
Myofascial Release requires an understanding of the
fascial system (or connective tissue). The fascia is
a specialized system of the body that has an appearance
similar to a spider’s web or a sweater.
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| Fascia is a very
densely woven covering that interpenetrates every muscle,
bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as all of our internal
organs including the heart, lungs, brain, and spinal cord.
The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that
it is not just a system of separate covers. It is actually
one structure that exists from head to foot without interruption.
In this way you can begin to see that each part of the
entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia,
like the yarn in a sweater. |
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Fascia also plays an important role in the support
of our bodies, since it surrounds and attaches to all
structures. These structures would not be able to provide
the stability without the constant pull of the fascial
system. In fact, our bones can be thought of as tent
poles, which cannot support the structure without the
constant support of the guide wires (or fascia) to keep
an adequate amount of tension to allow the tent (or
body) to remain upright without proper equilibrium.
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| In the normal
healthy state, the fascia is relaxed and wavy in configuration.
It has the ability to stretch and move without restriction.
When we experience physical trauma, scarring, or inflammation,
however, the fascia loses its pliability. It becomes tight,
restricted and a source of tension to the rest of the
body. Trauma, such as a fall, whiplash, surgery or just
habitual poor posture over time and repetitive stress
injuries has a cumulative effect. The changes they cause
in the fascial system comfort the functioning of our body.
The fascia can exert excessive pressure producing pain
or restriction of motion. They affect our flexibility
and stability, and are a determining factor in our ability
to withstand stress and strain. |
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| The use of Myofascial
Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique
individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on
treatments during which our therapists use a multitude
of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy.
We promote independence through education of proper body
mechanics and movement, through the enhancement of strength,
flexibility, and postural and movement awareness. |
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Put
Your Stress In Our Hands! |
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Reward
Yourself, Loved Ones and Valuable Coworkers! |
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Gift
Certificates Available |
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Call
Positive Body Dynamics "When only the best
will do." |
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St. Louis Park: 952-920-9514
St. Paul: 651-698-2052 |
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